Meaning trap
cut out
be suited for
To have the right qualities or abilities for a particular job, activity, or situation, often used in the negative to suggest someone is not suitable.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To have the right qualities or abilities for a particular job, activity, or situation, often used in the negative to suggest someone is not suitable.
'cut out' also has the more basic meaning 'stop doing or eating something (usually for health reasons)'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Despite her qualifications, she quickly realised she wasn't cut out for the pressures of corporate life.
While many people aspire to leadership positions, not everyone is cut out for the demands and responsibilities these roles entail.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She's not cut out to management.
Say: She's not cut out for management. / not cut out to be a manager.
Use 'cut out FOR + noun' or 'cut out TO BE + role'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Not cut out for' is the natural way to say you're unsuited; the formal version reads like a cover letter.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
(not) cut out for
- for this job
- for teaching
- to be a nurse
- for it
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- cut out (stop doing or eating something (usually for health reasons)) — 'cut out' also has the more basic meaning 'stop doing or eating something (usually for health reasons)'; this is the advanced sense.